John McNamara

John Vincent “Mack” McNamara, 73, passed away on April 9, 2016.  He was born August 9, 1942 in Queens, New York. He attended Power Memorial Academy in Manhattan and St. Johns University.  After graduation, he joined the United States Air Force. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in Feb 1964 and earned his pilot wings flying T-38 Jets in March 1965. During the Vietnam War he piloted C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft. As a Vietnam Veteran, he earned the following awards:  Air Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Cold War Medal.  After leaving active military service, Mack was hired by United Airlines in June 1969.  He retired after 33 years ending as a Captain, Boeing 777 flying to international destinations. Mack stayed active with the U.S. Air Force Reserves interviewing and recommending applicants for the U.S. Air Force Academy and AFROTC scholarships. He retired in 2002 as a Lieutenant Colonel.  After living in Chicago for many years, he and his wife retired to Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

An avid swimmer and banjo player, Mack will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 46 years, Victory; daughter Kathryn (Doug) Chuchro; son Brian (Megan) McNamara; grandchildren, Elise, Walter, and Anna; sister Elizabeth Doherty; and brother Lawrence McNamara.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2pm, Tuesday, April 19th at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Ponte Vedra Beach.  On Wednesday, April 20th Mack will be inurned at the Jacksonville National Cemetery with full military honors.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to United Way of St Johns County (http://www.unitedway-sjc.org/donate/).